If there were a prize for the most talked-about destination country, Canada would have probably won it in 2018. Its growth curve, as illustrated in the 20^th edition of The PIE Review has been quite impressive, surpassing expectations and international education strategy goals alike. But behind every successful destination country there is a robust policy: beyond its welcoming reputation and the quality of its institutions, Canada offers students work rights and pathways to residency.

Study permits

• Students on a short-term program (six months or less) don’t need a visa, while those staying longer require a study permit;
• Students can apply for a study permit if they enrol in a designated learning institution – the full list can be found here;
• Students from China, India, the Philippines or Vietnam can apply via a faster Student Direct Stream;
• A study permit is valid for the duration of the studies plus 90 days, during which students can apply for further visas. It costs $150;
• Students from all countries, including those from visa-exempt countries, need to submit biometrics in a Visa Application Centre when applying for the first study permit. Biometrics need to be submitted every 10 years;

Work rights during a course

• Students on a student permit can work off-campus 20 hours a week during their studies;
• Students on a language course are not allowed to work;

Post-study work 

• Students who have studied in Canada for at least 8 months (2 terms) can be eligible for a post-graduation work permit.The length of the permit depends on the length of their program;
• For those studying more than 8 months but less than 2 years, the post-graduation work permit could be of the same length of their course;
• Students graduating from a program lasting over two years could be eligible for a three-year work permit;

Pathways to permanent residency after post-graduation work permit are outlined here.